How to Use the Table Drawing Tool in Microsoft Word XP

There are different ways to create tables using Microsoft Word XP. One way to accomplish this is to use the table drawing tool feature. The drawing tool allows you to draw lines in order to create tables within your documents. When you choose the drawing tool, the program displays the "tables and borders" toolbar that allows you to add shading or borders to your tables. Using the drawing tool is simple and this guide will show you how.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer that has Microsoft Word XP installed

1. Access your Microsoft Word XP program and open the document that you wish to add tables to. Click on the menu bar and choose "table," then "draw table." The "tables and borders" toolbar is displayed and your cursor is converted to a pencil. It is ready to use as a drawing device.

2. Place the pencil in the area of your document that you wish to add the table to. Press the mouse and drag your pointer to the opposite corner to create a rectangular shape for your table. As the mouse is dragged, the pencil will create lines across the page.

3. Divide your table into the number of cells that you wish by placing the pencil on your table lines and drag them from one side to the other side. If you want to change the style of your line, click the down arrow next to the "line" on the toolbar and choose from the options that you have available. You can also choose the "shading" button if you want to add shading to your table.

4. Click the "eraser" in the toolbar if you wish to erase a line from your table. Your cursor will turn into an eraser. Drag the eraser over the line until it is highlighted and when you release your mouse, the line will be removed.

5. Click the "x" on the toolbar to close it when you have completed drawing your tables.